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Putnam County, NY

Drones To Fly Over Town In Hudson Valley: Here's When, Where Drones To Fly Over Town In Hudson Valley: Here's When, Where
Drones To Fly Over Town In Hudson Valley: Here's When, Where Drones will soon be sighted above a Hudson Valley town—these are supposed to be there, though, according to authorities.  Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Department of Environmental Protection will be flying drones over the Putnam County town of Southeast, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced.  The drones will fly over the East Branch Dam near Sodom Road and Route 22, the Sheriff's Office said.  This activity will continue throughout the week. More information was not immediately available. 
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Authorities in the Hudson Valley are cautioning residents to be vigilant about a fake social media post that has been circulating nationwide and is now appearing on local accounts.  In an announcement on Monday, Jan. 13, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said the fraudulent post warns of a "serial killer on the loose," featuring an image of a supposed suspect and victim names.  However, the Sheriff's Office has confirmed that there is no validity to the post.  According to authorities, scammers often use these posts to manipulate users. Once shared, the original c…
Man Traumatically Injured In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley, Airlifted To Hospital Man Traumatically Injured In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley, Airlifted To Hospital
Man Traumatically Injured In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley, Airlifted To Hospital A 50-year-old man suffered traumatic injuries and was airlifted to a hospital after crashing his motorcycle in the Hudson Valley.  The crash happened in Putnam County on Sunday, Jan. 12 around 12:30 p.m., when a motorcycle crashed on Croton Falls Rd. (Route 34) in Mahopac after failing to negotiate a turn, losing control, and hitting a guardrail, Carmel Police Lt. Michael Bodo said on Monday, Jan. 13. The rider, a 50-year-old Mahopac resident, suffered traumatic injuries to his lower body and pelvic area, Bodo said. After the crash, he was taken to the Mahopac Fire Department firehous…
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials A wildland fire that began behind a Putnam County business took several days to put out and led to the issuing of a ticket, officials announced.  The fire was reported on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2:15 p.m. in a swampy area behind Petersen's Patterson Greenhouses in Patterson, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.  Forest rangers responded to the scene and determined that an ember from a burn pile at the nursery had likely ignited the blaze, officials said.  Additional rangers soon joined the effort to extinguish the b…
Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison
Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison A former Putnam County anesthesiologist will spend years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing and assaulting a victim, officials announced.  Paul Giacopelli, a Southeast resident and former chief anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital, was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to four years in state prison, according to the Putnam County District Attorney's Office.  Giacopelli's sentencing follows his guilty plea on Aug. 21, 2024, to charges stemming from an incident in which he used a chemical substance to render his victim unconscious before sexually abusing her. Th…
HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase In Hudson Valley: Suspect In Custody HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase In Hudson Valley: Suspect In Custody
HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase In Hudson Valley: Suspect In Custody A vehicle pursuit that began on Interstate 84 led to a temporary hold-in-place at a Hudson Valley high school as a precautionary measure and also resulted in the arrest of an Orange County man. The incident started around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 when a man was reported to be on the highway on I-84 West near I-684 trying to stop cars. When a Sheriff's Deputy and a New York State Trooper arrived at the location, the man got in a vehicle parked nearby and began driving away, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.  The man, 34-year-old New Windsor resident Ian Assad …
Watch Out! Scammers Use 'Surveillance Video' Ploy to Demand Bitcoin In Hudson Valley Watch Out! Scammers Use 'Surveillance Video' Ploy to Demand Bitcoin In Hudson Valley
Watch Out! Scammers Use 'Surveillance Video' Ploy to Demand Bitcoin In Hudson Valley Authorities in the Hudson Valley are warning residents of scammers claiming to have surveillance video of victims as part of a blackmail scheme.  In an announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Carmel Police Department in Putnam County said they had received reports of an email scam targeting those in the area.  According to the department, the scammers may include victims' accurate names and addresses in emails and will claim to have surveillance footage of them.  The sender will then request a "confidentiality tip" or "privacy tip" payment in Bitcoin, police said. To avoid fal…
'Combative' Person Trespasses On Middle School Campus In Hudson Valley: Police 'Combative' Person Trespasses On Middle School Campus In Hudson Valley: Police
'Combative' Person Trespasses On Middle School Campus In Hudson Valley: Police A person was arrested for trespassing on the grounds of a Putnam County middle school after refusing to leave and becoming combative, authorities said.  The incident happened on Monday, Jan. 6, around 9:20 a.m., at Mahopac Middle School, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The individual was observed by the school’s Resource Officer (SRO) on the campus and was approached for questioning. The man refused to provide a legitimate reason for being on the property and declined to leave, officials said.  As the SRO attempted to gather more information, the individual becam…
Longtime Hudson Valley Dispatcher, Court Officer Kieran O'Hagan Dies Longtime Hudson Valley Dispatcher, Court Officer Kieran O'Hagan Dies
Longtime Hudson Valley Dispatcher, Court Officer Kieran O'Hagan Dies The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Kieran “KO” O’Hagan, a cherished part-time dispatcher, retired court officer, and dedicated community member whose life touched many.  O’Hagan, a longtime New York Supreme Court officer for more than two decades, died on Friday, Jan. 3 at the age of 64, according to his obituary.  Born to Arthur “Artie” O’Hagan and Bridget “Bryda” O’Hagan in 1960, O’Hagan grew up in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan alongside his beloved sister, Kathleen “Kiki” O’Hagan Venedam. Despite a 10-year age gap, th…
Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (UPDATE) Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (UPDATE)
Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (Update) A Hudson Valley family who lost their home in a devastating Christmas Eve fire is now receiving overwhelming support from their community as they begin their rebuilding process. The blaze broke out shortly after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at a Putnam County home on North Salem Road in Southeast. Following the tragic incident, the residence's family was left without a home, according to the Brewster Fire Department. During the fire, the family, including two children, a husband, wife, and the wife’s mother, managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived, though one fami…
Beloved Artistic Director Of Hudson Valley Theater Company Dies At 61 Beloved Artistic Director Of Hudson Valley Theater Company Dies At 61
Beloved Artistic Director Of Hudson Valley Theater Company Dies At 61 A Hudson Valley theater company is mourning the loss of Christopher Gladysz, a visionary director, actor, and choreographer whose passion for theater touched countless lives. Gladysz, the Artistic Director of the Brewster Theater Company in Putnam County, died in hospice care on Friday, Dec. 6 at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with cancer, according to his obituary.  A dynamic theater artist with decades of experience, Gladysz was known for his ability to bring out the best in everyone he worked with, both on and off the stage. Under his 15 years of leadership at the Brewster …
This Westchester Town Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings This Westchester Town Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings
This Westchester Town Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings If you're looking for peace and quiet, you may want to settle down in one of three Hudson Valley towns named among the safest places in the country in new rankings by MoneyGeek.  In their list of the 25 Safest Small Cities and Towns in the US released on Monday, Dec. 16, the personal finance website ranked towns from Westchester, Putnam, and Orange counties among the country's municipalities with the lowest crime numbers.  The following towns were named:  Yorktown, which took No. 6; Carmel, which took No. 7; Wallkill, which took No. 8. In order to make their rankings, Money…
Fire Sparks In Chimney At Hudson Valley Home Fire Sparks In Chimney At Hudson Valley Home
Fire Sparks In Chimney At Hudson Valley Home A chimney fire in a Hudson Valley home prompted a swift multi-agency response that kept the flames from spreading further, firefighters said. The incident occurred in Putnam County on Friday, Dec. 27, at a residence on Ferris Drive in Garrison, according to the Garrison Fire Department, which responded to a mutual aid call from the Continental Village Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding departments, the fire was quickly brought under control, officials said. No injuries were reported. The Garrison Volunteer Fire Company emphasized the importa…
3-Car Crash Hospitalizes 2, Closes Busy Hudson Valley Road 3-Car Crash Hospitalizes 2, Closes Busy Hudson Valley Road
3-Car Crash Hospitalizes 2, Closes Busy Hudson Valley Road A crash involving three vehicles, one of which rolled over, closed a section of Route 301 in the Hudson Valley and sent two people to the hospital, authorities said. The crash happened in Putnam County just after 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 near the Chuang Yen Monastery at 2020 Route 301 in Carmel, according to the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. Initial reports described a single vehicle striking a utility pole and rolling over with a possible trapped driver inside, but upon arrival, responders discovered that three vehicles were involved. One vehicle was found rolled over in …
'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why 'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why
'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why Authorities in the Hudson Valley are advising residents not to worry about what's in the sky above popular recreational trails.  In an announcement on social media on Thursday, Dec. 26, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said they are "aware of aviation operations" near the county's bike paths.  Authorities added that the operations are being carried out to help maintain the paths. The Putnam Trailway, a paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians, spans 12 linear miles through the county. It begins at the Westchester border at Baldwin Place and goes to Brewster Village.  It …
Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Hudson Valley Home Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Hudson Valley Home
Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Hudson Valley Home A Hudson Valley family was forced from their home during a Christmas Eve blaze that prompted a multi-department response.  The fire broke out shortly after 6 p.m. in Putnam County on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at a residence located at 414 North Salem Rd. in Southeast, according to the Brewster Fire Department.  Crews arrived within six minutes to find the house, located approximately 500 feet from the road, fully engulfed in flames.  The family inside the home managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived, though one family member sustained minor burns, Brewster Second Assistant C…
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village A Hudson Valley village will soon see vital repairs to its water infrastructure after receiving a multimillion-dollar state grant. The Putnam County village of Cold Spring has been awarded $2.5 million by New York State for critical repairs to its Upper Dam, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23.  Village officials added that the funding came through the state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program.  The grant, announced just days before Christmas, will help fund a long-awaited project to reconstruct the dam’s stone wall…
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Westchester Work Site: Authorities Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Westchester Work Site: Authorities
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Westchester Work Site: Authorities A contractor and his son were ticketed for illegal dumping in the Hudson Valley after environmental officials found material containing an address in construction debris on the side of a road, authorities said.   The debris was discovered on the side of a road in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 29 by New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Franz and Schuck while patrolling in the village of Brewster, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  During their investigation, officers found a piece of mail among the debris…
Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills
Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills A Hudson Valley family is reaching out for support after their beloved dog, Astro, suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident and required life-saving surgeries. The incident happened earlier in December and left Astro with traumatic injuries. Soon after, Astro underwent multiple surgeries with help from the Putnam County SPCA and Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster and is now recovering at home.  Despite Astro's resilience and steady recovery, the financial burden has been overwhelming for the family, with medical bills exceeding $35,000. This prompted them t…
Don't Miss It: MTA Holiday Lights Train Adds Festive Glow To Westchester Tracks Don't Miss It: MTA Holiday Lights Train Adds Festive Glow To Westchester Tracks
Don't Miss It: MTA Holiday Lights Train Adds Festive Glow To Westchester Tracks If you’re hoping to catch Metro-North's first-ever illuminated Holiday Lights train, here’s when it will be rolling through Westchester and Putnam counties this weekend. The train, adorned with colorful exterior lights, will travel on Metro-North's Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and New Haven Line with routes timed for daylight, dusk, and nighttime hours.  Here are the times for this weekend, which are subject to change, officials said: Friday, Dec. 20:  From Grand Central:  4:21 PM to Mount Kisco (daylight into darkness); 7:26 PM to Southeast (darkness). Toward Grand Central:…
'Erratic' Driver Nabbed For DWI After Traffic Stop In Hudson Valley: Police 'Erratic' Driver Nabbed For DWI After Traffic Stop In Hudson Valley: Police
'Erratic' Driver Nabbed For DWI After Traffic Stop In Hudson Valley: Police A 61-year-old woman is facing drunk driving charges after being stopped on a Hudson Valley roadway, police said. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 in Putnam County, when deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Route 9 near Old West Point Road in Philipstown after receiving a call about an "erratic driver." Deputies located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, according to the Sheriff's Office. The driver, identified as 61-year-old Dutchess County resident Sandra Heron-Bryan of Poughkeepsie, was allegedly unable to perform field sobriety …
These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities
These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities The following school districts have scheduled early dismissals and canceled afterschool activities on Friday, Dec. 20 as snowy conditions prepare to blanket the region.  Westchester County:  Peekskill City School District, dismissing one hour early Lakeland Central School District, dismissing one hour early Hendrick Hudson School District, dismissing one hour early North Salem Central School District, dismissing one hour early Yorktown Central School District, dismissing one hour early Bedford Central School District, dismissing one hour early Somers Central School District,…
Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures
Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures A multi-vehicle crash involving five cars and a dump truck caused lane closures on Interstate 84 and sent three people to the hospital in the Hudson Valley, police said.  The incident happened around 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 on Interstate 84 westbound in the Putnam County town of Kent, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 19.  According to investigators, traffic was slowing for an unknown reason when a driver failed to reduce speed in time, triggering a chain-reaction rear-end crash involving five vehicles. They all came to rest in the lanes of travel, blocking…
Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say A traffic stop on Interstate 684 in the Hudson Valley led to a violent confrontation with an intoxicated Connecticut man who resisted arrest, authorities said. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, when a Putnam County Sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle driving southbound near Exit 10 in Brewster that was allegedly unable to maintain its lane, the Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  After stopping the vehicle, the deputy identified the driver as 36-year-old Fairfield County resident Dimas Minero Argueta of Norwalk and noted that he appeared to be intoxicated, ac…
2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection 2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection
2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection Two vehicles were involved in a collision that blocked traffic at a busy Hudson Valley intersection. The crash happened in Putnam County on Tuesday, Dec. 17 just after 10 a.m., when two cars collided at the intersection of Route 6 and Jonathan Drive in Mahopac, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. Following the incident, two people were taken by ambulance to be evaluated for injuries.  More information about the crash was not immediately available. 
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much County officials have approved a nearly $70,000 pay increase for Westchester's next leader.  In a meeting earlier in December, the Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee on Budget and Appropriations approved a $69,240 salary increase for the position of County Executive.  This brings the position's salary from $160,760 to $230,000, according to county budget documents.  In a weekly update held on Monday, Dec. 16, County Executive George Latimer explained his reasoning behind the pay bump, saying that it would make sure the position is "properly compensated in…
Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS
Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Drivers should brace for delays, as a major $30 million construction project near a Hudson Valley high school is expected to impact traffic for nearly two years.  The project, which began in the Putnam County town of Carmel in September, will widen Fair Street from Simpson Road to Route 52, add sidewalks and streetlights, improve drainage, and create a new turning lane to make it easier to enter and exit the Carmel High School parking lot. The work is expected to continue through summer 2026, Carmel Central School District officials said in an announcement on Friday, Dec. 13.  Pu…
This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm
This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm The National Weather Service has released snow totals from this week's winter storm. Snowfall accumulation impacted areas across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, with Sussex County, NJ, and Putnam County, NY, seeing the highest totals from Sunday, Dec. 15 into Monday, Dec. 16. Below are detailed figures reported by state, county, and town, as per the National Weather Service: New Jersey Mercer County: Trenton Mercer Airport: Trace (11:59 PM, 12/15) Morris County: Butler (1 S): 3.0 inches (5:15 AM, 12/16) Sussex County: Wantage Twp: 4.1 inches (5:00 AM, 12/16) Wan…
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Authorities are investigating a report involving a Hudson Valley student allegedly photographed with what appeared to be a firearm on school grounds, police announced. The investigation began in Putnam County late Tuesday, Dec. 10, when the concerning image was reported to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer by the Putnam Valley School District, the Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The student was identified and interviewed at their residence. They did not attend Putnam Valley High School on Wednesday, authorities and school officials said. In a…
Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Westchester Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Westchester
Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Westchester A massive mulch fire in Northern Westchester required drone support and hours of effort to contain as crews battled frigid conditions and a lack of hydrants, officials said.  The fire began early Sunday, Dec. 8, when the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department was dispatched at around 12:30 a.m. for a reported brush fire on the Taconic State Parkway, according to fire officials.  After searching the area, no fire was found on the parkway. However, a large plume of smoke led responders to a mulch pile fire burning on Clay Bird Lane in Mount Pleasant With no hydrants nearby, tankers from …
Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says
Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says A Hudson Valley woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly hitting a dog with her car and fleeing the scene, leaving the severely injured pet to suffer, authorities said. The incident occurred on Mon., Dec. 2, around 5:22 p.m., when Putnam County SPCA detectives responded to Center Street in Brewster, the Putnam County SPCA said.  There, they learned that a five-year-old Goldendoodle named Astro was struck by a white Toyota Rav4, suffering severe injuries, officials said. Astro’s family rushed him to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in the Town of Southeast, where he underwent mu…